The event, which was held in Katsina metropolis, focused especially on sensitizing people to the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for infants during the first six months after birth, as well as the need to provide adequate nutrition for pregnant women. Stakeholders in various health sectors expressed serious concern about how failure to adhere to these principles has led to the spread of malnutrition, particularly in rural areas of Katsina State.
The main event was attended by numerous stakeholders in the healthcare sector, including International Medical Corps (IMC), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Médecins du Monde (MdM), Katsina State Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women Affairs, Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, State Primary Health Care Agency, and representatives of Katsina Local Government under Hon. Isah Miqdad A.D. Saude.
Moreover, prominent guests were in attendance, including Alhaji Umar Babani Isa, Durbin Katsina and District Head of Mani, and Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara (MNI), Kanwan Katsina/District Head of Ketare, along with dedicated leaders in the health sector from various hospitals in the state.
In his closing remarks, the Association’s Chairman, Comrade Ibrahim Suleiman Yantaba, called on the Katsina State Government, under the leadership of Malam Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, to deploy nutrition experts to primary and secondary health care centers, in order to curb the spread of malnutrition.
Furthermore, he urged the government to formulate special programs to sensitize rural dwellers about the importance of good nutrition, especially through:
- Community mobilization and sensitization: Effective strategies to raise public awareness about nutritious diets;
- Nutrition campaigns: Organizing awareness campaigns on how to prevent the problem of poor nutrition;
- Food demonstrations: Teaching communities how to prepare nutritious foods
- Dietary diversification: Ensuring the use of a variety of foods to achieve proper nourishment.
The NSN Katsina state chapter has pledged to continue fighting malnutrition, supporting the government and other partners, towards building a healthier community.
Hafsat Ibrahim kofarbai
I learned so much about breastfeeding and how to overcome common challenges.
I also learned that the lactation consultants were knowledgeable and supportive. I’m grateful for their expertise.
Fatima Abdurrahman
Good job 👍👍
Proudly nutritionist 💪💪